to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD. to the siteThis phrase indicates a return to a specific location, suggesting a deliberate act of remembrance and reverence. In the Hebrew context, the word for "site" (מָקוֹם, makom) often implies a place of significance or divine encounter. Abram's journey back to this site underscores the importance of sacred spaces in the life of faith, where past encounters with God are remembered and renewed. where he had built the altar
The altar represents a place of worship and sacrifice, a tangible expression of Abram's faith and devotion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, altars were central to religious practice, serving as a point of contact between the divine and human realms. Abram's construction of an altar signifies his commitment to God and his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. And there Abram called
The act of calling upon the name of the LORD is a profound expression of faith and dependence. The Hebrew verb קָרָא (qara) implies not just a vocal invocation but a deep, personal communication with God. This calling is an act of worship, a declaration of trust, and a plea for divine guidance and blessing. on the name of the LORD
The "name of the LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is more than a mere identifier; it encapsulates the character and essence of God. In the ancient world, names held significant power and meaning. By invoking the name of Yahweh, Abram acknowledges God's eternal presence, faithfulness, and covenant promises. This act of calling on God's name is a testament to Abram's relationship with God, rooted in reverence and trust. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbramLater known as Abraham, he is a central figure in Genesis, called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him. Abram is a model of faith and obedience. 2. AltarA place of worship and sacrifice, the altar represents Abram's devotion and commitment to God. It is a physical reminder of his relationship with the LORD. 3. Calling on the Name of the LORDThis phrase indicates worship, prayer, and a personal relationship with God. It signifies Abram's dependence on and trust in God. 4. BethelThe location where Abram built the altar. Bethel means "House of God" in Hebrew, symbolizing a place of divine encounter and worship. 5. JourneyAbram's return to the altar signifies a return to his spiritual roots and a reaffirmation of his faith in God. Teaching Points The Importance of Spiritual LandmarksJust as Abram returned to the altar, we should have spiritual landmarks in our lives that remind us of God's faithfulness and our commitments to Him. Worship as a PriorityAbram's first action upon returning to Bethel was to call on the name of the LORD. Worship should be a priority in our lives, reflecting our dependence on God. Returning to God in Times of UncertaintyWhen faced with uncertainty or conflict, as Abram was with Lot, returning to God and reaffirming our faith can provide guidance and peace. The Significance of Names in ScriptureCalling on the name of the LORD signifies a personal relationship with God. Understanding the significance of God's names can deepen our worship and trust in Him. Faith and Obedience in ActionAbram's journey and actions demonstrate that faith is not passive but requires active obedience and trust in God's promises. Bible Study Questions 1. What are the spiritual landmarks in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness, and how can you return to them regularly? 2. How does Abram's priority of worship challenge or inspire your own approach to worship and prayer? 3. In what ways can you "call on the name of the LORD" in your daily life, and what does this look like practically? 4. How do the names of God revealed in Scripture enhance your understanding of His character and your relationship with Him? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty. How did returning to God and His promises provide guidance and peace, similar to Abram's experience? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:8This verse describes Abram's initial building of the altar at Bethel, establishing a pattern of worship and devotion. Psalm 116:17This verse speaks of offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving and calling on the name of the LORD, echoing Abram's actions. Hebrews 11:8-10These verses highlight Abram's faith and obedience, emphasizing his journey as a pilgrimage of faith. People Abram, Canaanites, Lot, Mamre, Perizzites, ZoarPlaces Ai, Bethel, Betonim, Canaan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Hebron, Jordan River, Negeb, Sodom, ZoarTopics Abram, Altar, Formerly, Preach, WorshipDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 13:4 8640 calling upon God Genesis 13:1-12 5076 Abraham, life of Genesis 13:4-12 5077 Abraham, character Library July 21. "Look from the Place Where Thou Art" (Gen. xiii. 14).
"Look from the place where thou art" (Gen. xiii. 14). Let us now see the blessedness of faith. Our own littleness and nothingness sometimes becomes bondage. We are so small in our own eyes we dare not claim God's mighty promises. We say: "If I could be sure I was in God's way I could trust." This is all wrong. Self-consciousness is a great barrier to faith. Get your eyes on Him and Him alone; not on your faith, but on the Author of your faith; not a half look, but a steadfast, prolonged look, with …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth August 11. "All the Land which Thou Seest" (Gen. xiii. 15).
"All the land which thou seest" (Gen. xiii. 15). The actual provisions of His grace come from the inner vision. He who puts the instinct in the bosom of yonder bird to cross the continent in search of summer sunshine in yonder Southern clime is too good to deceive it, and just as surely as He has put the instinct in its breast, so has He also put the balmy breezes and the vernal sunshine yonder to meet it when it arrives. He who gave to Abraham the vision of the Land of Promise, also said in infinite …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Importance of a Choice
'And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hal; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Land of Promise
"All the Land which thou seest, to thee will I give it."--Gen. xiii. 15. Gertrude of Hellfde, 1330. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 It was as if upon His breast He laid His piercèd hand, And said "To thee, beloved and blest, I give this goodly land." O Land of fountains and of deeps, Of God's exhaustless store-- O blessed Land, where he who reaps Shall never hunger more-- O summer Land, for ever fair With God's unfading flowers; O Land, where spices fill the air, And songs the golden towers-- …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 13:4 NIVGenesis 13:4 NLTGenesis 13:4 ESVGenesis 13:4 NASBGenesis 13:4 KJV
Genesis 13:4 Commentaries
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